Automation Engineer

PLP Group; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous equity

Competitive healthcare

401(k)

Unlimited PTO

EEO & Reasonable Accommodations

Job summary

Azora is building high-bandwidth optical ground infrastructure for space and defense missions. We seek a seasoned automation engineer to architect the control backbone for autonomous ground stations, leading a small team and coordinating across global sites.

You will design end-to-end automation, hardware interfaces, calibration and tests, and champion modern software practices while traveling for field deployment.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical/Mechatronics or related field.
• 5+ years building automation or control software for physical systems (robotics, observatories, test automation, industrial control).
• Strong programming skills in Python and at least one systems language (C++, Rust, or Go).
• Experience with hardware interfaces and protocols: serial, Ethernet/IP, Modbus, CAN, or similar.
• Demonstrated experience taking automation systems from prototype to reliable 24/7 operation.

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement end-to-end automation for ground station operations: target acquisition, pass execution, weather-driven decision-making, and safe-state recovery.
• Develop hardware control software for telescopes, gimbals, weather sensors, and optical bench instrumentation (motion controllers, cameras, power systems).
• Build automated calibration, self-test, and built-in-test (BIT) routines that keep stations operational without on-site staff.
• Design monitoring, alerting, and remote diagnostics infrastructure across multiple geographically distributed sites.
• Define interfaces between site-level automation and the network-level scheduler/orchestration layer.
• Establish software engineering practices for the automation stack: CI/CD, hardware-in-the-loop testing, simulation environments, and release management.
• Build, lead and mentor a small team of automation and controls engineers as the ground network scales.

Skills

Python

C++

Rust

Go

Hardware interfaces

Automation software

Team leadership

Education

BS/MS in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical/Mechatronics

Tools

INDI/ASCOM

MQTT/ZeroMQ/gRPC

NTP/PTP

CAN/Modbus/Ethernet/IP

Job description

Job detailsEngineeringPhoenix , San Francisco Bay AreaFull-time$130,000 USD - $200,000 USDRoleBuild the automation backbone that enables Azora's optical ground stations to operate independently: autonomous pass scheduling, calibration routines, health monitoring, and fault recovery. As a lead, you will define the automation architecture across a growing global network of ground sites.ResponsibilitiesArchitect and implement end-to-end automation for ground station operations: target acquisition, pass execution, weather-driven decision-making, and safe-state recovery.Develop hardware control software for telescopes, gimbals, weather sensors, and optical bench instrumentation (motion controllers, cameras, power systems).Build automated calibration, self-test, and built-in-test (BIT) routines that keep stations operational without on-site staff.Design monitoring, alerting, and remote diagnostics infrastructure across multiple geographically distributed sites.Define interfaces between site-level automation and the network-level scheduler/orchestration layer.Establish software engineering practices for the automation stack: CI/CD, hardware-in-the-loop testing, simulation environments, and release management.Build, lead and mentor a small team of automation and controls engineers as the ground network scales.Required QualificationsBS/MS in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical/Mechatronics Engineering, or related field.5+ years building automation or control software for physical systems (robotics, observatories, test automation, industrial control, or similar).Strong programming skills in Python and at least one systems language (C++, Rust, or Go).Experience with hardware interfaces and protocols: serial, Ethernet/IP, Modbus, CAN, or similar.Demonstrated experience taking automation systems from prototype to reliable 24/7 operation.PreferredExperience automating telescopes, observatories, or optical ground stations (e.g., INDI/ASCOM ecosystems, custom mount control).Familiarity with orbital mechanics and satellite pass prediction (e.g., SGP4, Skyfield).Experience with distributed systems, message buses (MQTT, ZeroMQ, gRPC), and time synchronization (NTP/PTP).Prior technical leadership or team lead experience in a startup environment.LocationThis is an onsite/hybrid role based in Tempe, AZ or the Bay Area, CA – hardware work that’s hard to do remotely. Some travel expected for field deployment and vendor/manufacturing visits.Benefits:Generous equityCompetitive healthcare (including options for vision and dental)401(k)Unlimited PTOEEO & Reasonable AccommodationsAzora is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know by contacting [e-mail] ControlTo conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (iii) protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or (iv) be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.Salary ranges are based on the following criteria:Level 1 (starting from $130,000 USD): 3-5 years of experience in relevant roles.Level 2 (starting from $160,000 USD): 5-15 years of experience in relevant roles.Final salary is based on geographic location, experience, skills, and qualifications.About this CompanyAzora is building high-bandwidth communications infrastructure for environments where fiber can’t reach. This work spans LEO spacecraft constellations, lunar exploration missions, GEO satcom, deployable optical ground for defense, and data centers both on- and off-world. To enable rapid global proliferation Azora is developing compact and modular optical terminals small enough to deploy from a backpack, and space terminals that support high speed optical links from LEO out to the Moon.